Sugar for preserving Fish.-Dr. M'Culloch, of Edinburgh, has ascertained that the antiseptic quality of sugar is sufficient to preserve fish in the most excellent condition. He states, that this substance is so active, that fish may be preserved in a dry state, and perfectly fresh, by means of sugar alone, and even with a very small quantity of it. He has thus kept salmon, whitings, and cod, for an indefinite length of time; and by this simple means fresh fish may be kept in that state some days, so as to be as good when boiled as when just caught. It is added, that "if dried and kept free from mouldiness, there seems no limit to their preservation; and they are much better in this way than when salted. The sugar gives no disagreeable taste. This process is particularly valuable in making what is called kippered salmon: and the fish preserved in this manner are far superior in quality and flavour to those which are salted or smoked. If desired, as much salt may be used as to give the taste that may be required; but this substance does not conduce to their preservation. In the preparation, it is barely necessary to open the fish, and to apply the sugar to the muscular part, placing it in a horizontal position for two or three days, that this substance may penetrate. After this it may be dried; and it is only farther necessary to wipe and ventilate it occasionally, to prevent mouldiness. A table spoonful of brown sugar is sufficient in this manner for a salmon of five or six pounds weight; and if salt is desired, a tea spoonful or more may be added; saltpetre may be used instead, in the same proportion, if it is desired to make the kipper hard."

Apple Jelly. The great cheapness of apples this season renders it practicable to use them economically in making jelly. Let them be quartered, pared, and freed from the seed vessels. Put them into an oven, or pot without water with a close lid. When the heat has made them soft, put them into a cloth and wring out the juice. Put a little white of eggs to it. Add the sugar. Skim it carefully before it boils. Reduce it to the proper consistency, and you will have an excellent jelly. British Indigo.-A discovery has been recently made, which promises the most important consequences in a commercial and agricultural point of view. About two years ago, 280 acres of land, near Flint, in Wales, were planted with the common holyhock or rose mellow, with the view of converting it into hemp or flax. In the process of manufacture, it was discovered that this plant yields a

beautiful blue dye, equal in beauty and permanence to the best indigo.

Narrow Wheels.-The propriety is suggested of the different Agricultural Societies forthwith offering premiums for the best model of a six-inch cart-wheel, which shall most effectually combine lightness with strength; and adds, that unless this is done, or some other method adopted for procuring the general improved construction of broad wheels for small carts, the new Turnpike Act will operate unintentionally in inflicting cruelty upon animals, which the same Legislature by another Act has so strongly deprecated, and constituted an offence. For, he adds, it cannot but be generally known now, that by the new Turnpike Act all wheels of less breadth than six inches will be subject to a heavy extra toll after 1st January next, and are totally prohibited after 1st January, 1826. Instead therefore of paying this extra toll for three years, common sense suggests, that it is better at once to get six-inch wheels substituted for their present narrow ones.

Description of a Hollow Wall, erected in the garden of the Earl of Arran.—“ This wall is built nine inches thick, with sound even-sized bricks, placed edgeways, the joints being carefully made, and laid with the very best mortar. The bricks are placed with their faces and ends alternately to the outside, so that those which have their ends exposed become ties to the surfaces of the wall. In each succeeding course, as the wall is built, the bricks with their ends outwards are placed on the centre of the brick, which is laid lengthways in the course below it. Thus a hollow space is formed in the middle of the wall of four inches width, which is only interrupted where the tying bricks cross it but there is a free passage for air from top to bottom of the wall. The wall is covered close at the top with a heading course of bricks, on which is a coping of Portland stone, with a projection of two inches, and strengthened at every twenty feet by piers of fourteen-inch work, executed in the same manner with bricks on edge, which are so worked in as to preserve the continuity of the hollow space through the wall. From experience, in my own garden, and from that of others, for whom I have built walls in this method, I have no hesitation in pronouncing it to be sufficiently strong for all garden purposes; the saving of expense in its construction is full one-third, and it has the advantage of becoming dry after the soaking of long rains, much more rapidly than a solid wall of the same or any other thickness."-Trans. Horti. Soc.

1823.

NEW PATENT.

or

To Alexander Gordon and David Gordon, Esqrs. for certain improvements in the construction of lamps and of materials to be burned in them or in common lamps. This improvement consists in adapting the lamp to the purpose of burning alcohol or naphtha, or the essential oils or compositions of these spirits; with such of the essential oils as are most easily soluble therein; and generally for the burning of all combustible fluids which are inflammable at a low temperature, and which do not require a combustible wick to raise their temperature to a point at which inflammation would take place, or to continue their inflammation. The improvements and additions in 'the construction of lamps, consist in employing wicks made of metal or glass instead of cotton or thread, or any substance usually termed combustible, and for that purpose is used platina, gold, silver, copper; glass, spun or drawn into very fine threads or capillary tubes, collected into a bundle, and surrounded by a piece of metal-wire gauze, may be used; or by a piece of fine metal-wire bound round them in a spiral direction; or the wicks may be formed of metal-wire or tubes, or spun glass, in any way, and in any desirable shape, so that the effect of capillary attraction may be preserved sufficiently to raise or draw up the combustible fluid to the situation where it is to be inflamed. The wicks thus constructed, are inserted through a pipe or tube in the manner of common lamps with cotton wicks; the top of the wick or wicks should be covered by a cap when the lamp is not in use, to prevent the evaporation of the combustible fluid, and to prevent dust from settling on the wick. As the substances intended to be burned in the said lamps are extremely volatile and inflammable, the orifice from whence the lamp is to be filled with the fluid may be situated at the greatest convenient distance from the wick. The patentees have a cap which screws down to a shoulder to close the orifice from whence the lamp is filled, and pierce an air-hole at the second or third thread of the male screw, by which means the air-hole can be uncovered, by unscrewing the cap two or three turns, and without taking off the cap altogether, except when the lamp is to be supplied with fluid. The materials to be burned in the lamps, may also be burned in common lamps, and are composed of alcohol, with an admixture of essential oils; as for instance, oil of juniper, camphor, the essential oil of tar, and such other of

the essential oils as are most soluble in alcohol, the relative proportions of the two fluids or materials being regulated according to the description of lamp for burning them. The relative proportions of the fluids or materials should be 5, 6, or 7 parts of alcohol to one of essential oil; but these proportions may be varied according as circumstances may require. Alcohol by itself is nearly pure hydrogen, so that when burning it gives only a pale blue light; the essential oils wher. burning give much light; but unless they are carefully burned in lamps peculiarly constructed, they produce smoke, and would be apt to leave a considerable deposition of carbonaceous matter upon the wicks. Whilst the composition described above will be found to give considerable light without any sensible smoke, and leaving little or no deposit upon the wicks. Another composition to burn in lamps is made with naphtha or spirit of wood, combined with the essential oils in about the same proportions as for the essential oils with alcohol.

Sail Cloth.--Messrs. Brewell, of London, have invented a process to prevent mildew in sails and canvass of every description, from the whitest Coker to the brownest Scotch, the natural colouring matter of which usually generates mildew, but which this process neutralizes, so as to destroy that tendency. It does not in any degree weaken the fibre of either hemp or flax, but is found to improve the colour and strength of all canvass to which it is applied. It renders canvass more flexible, without reducing its firmness, and thereby diminishes the space required for stowage, as well as the time and trouble of handing and managing the sails, which in merchant ships, especially in stormy weather, is often of the utmost importance even to the safety of the vessel and the lives of the crew. And it offers a great saving to the ship owners by the reduced price at which the most durable canvass may be purchased; it is an admitted fact that the bleaching process is a useless expense, only as far as the colouring matter is removed, but thereby the fibre of the plant becomes proportionably weakened.

On M. Rieussec's Chronograph.-This chronograph has the form and size of a large pocket chronometer. The dial is moveable and turns round an axis, passing through its centre perpendicular to its plane. When the chronograph is in motion, this dial turns once round in a minute; and as its circumference bears

sixty divisions, the angular motion of one division corresponds to one second of time. The minutes are marked separately. The chronograph being in motion, the observer who wishes to mark the instant of a phenomenon presses a stud, and that very instant a pen or metallic point passing through the open summit of a cone, filled with oil-black and placed opposite the fixed zero, from which the dial begins to move, marks on the circumference bearing the divisions for seconds, a point which serves to shew with what second and fraction of a second the beginning, as well as end of the time to be measured corresponded. The play of the mechanism which darts the pen, neither stops

nor retards the motion of the rotary dial; the stud may therefore be pressed several times while the motion continues, thus forming on the division of sixty a number of black points, each of which will indicate by its position the instant in which it was marked. The pressure on the stud, and the formation of the black point, are simultaneous; and the diameter of this point is such, that one-fourth of the interval between two consecutive divisions may be readily estimated. This estimate will be the more exact and easy the larger the dial. It has succeeded well in measuring the speed in horse races, machines in motion, running water, &c. &c.

T. Leach, of Blue Boar-court, London, for an improvement in steam-engines, by the application of steam immediately to a wheel instead of the usual process. Communicated to him by a foreigner. Oct. 25, 1822.

W. Piper, of Cookley Iron-works, for several new anchors for the use of shipping. Nov. 1, 1822.

A. Flint, of Uley, for a machine for scouring, pising, and washing of woollen cloths. Nov. 1, 1822.

J. Oxford, of Little Britain, for an improved method of preventing premature decay in umber, metallic substances, and canvass by the application whereof they are rendered impervious to the dryrot, damp-rot, worms, insects, or rust, to which the same are liable, and are thereby rendered more durable, and less liable to decay. Nov. 1, 1822. J.D. Moxon, of Liverpool, for improvements in the

construction of bridges, and works of a similar na ture. Nov. 9, 1822.

F. Deakin, of Birmingham, for an improvement in the manufacture of holster-cases, cartouch-boxes, and other description of cases. Nov. 9, 1822.

J. Jekyll, of Wincanton, for improvements in steam or vapour baths, to render the same more portable and couvenient than those in present use. Nov. 9. 1822.

R. Roberts, of Manchester, for machinery or implements applicable to the process of weaving plain o figured cloths or fabrics, which may be used on, and in conjunction with, looms now in common use; and also improvements in the construction of looms for weaving plain and figured cloths or fabrics, and in the method of working looms either by hand, steam, or other power. Nov. 14, 1822.

A CORRESPONDENT suggests that, in the paper on Architecture, which appeared in our October number, there was not sufficient stress laid on the superiority of models over drawings, in enabling us to form a judgment as to the merits of any proposed building. He observes that "the architect is often obliged to build what his own taste condemns; but if he employed himself at leisure-hours in making several models of a proposed building, he would more frequently have the satisfaction of directing the results of a good taste than of complying with a bad one." We agree with our correspondent thus far, that models are better adapted than drawings, to show the effect of harmony of parts in an individual object. But drawings are probably better calculated to show the general effect of an object, as looked at with reference to and in combination with other objects, on account of their being able to throw the whole into perspective. But this is supposing the drawings in question to be made on this principle. Undoubtedly, a drawing of a detached individual object is inferior, for all architectural purposes, to a correct model of the same object. Our correspondent concludes his remarks in the fol

lowing words :-"There have been abundance of drawings exhibited in London of a proposed Palace for our great military chief; many of them possessing considerable merit. But it is much to be regretted that government do not offer rewards for a certain number of the best models and drawings, and let them be collected together as an exhibition, from which one shall be selected."

We are unable to answer the enquiry of Eugenia respecting "Rice Glue." As the printer has sent forth the article in question, so we received it. Eugenia thinks that a good plastic composition of such a substance as rice, would be a desideratum to thousands of her sex who possess taste, originality, and patience. It would also minister to the artist and modeller; the method of concocting such a substance may, perhaps, exist abroad, and in time be brought to our shores, if the present receipt be not adequate to what it professes.-See New Monthly, vol. VI. p. 457. A correspondent T. K. has drawn our attention to an error in the translation of the Greek word apinut in a late Edinburgh Review, p. 72, which is there rendered, "I refuse," whereas the sense in the passage alluded to is, "I give up,"

or "restore," though literally signifying "I send away." T. K. thinks the critic misunderstood the whole drift of the passage." Philip," says he, "is evidently finding an excuse for the Athenian people by charging the offence committed against himself upon their leaders, who, he pretends, acted without authority; and, as it was not his wish just then to break with the Athenian people, he affects to consider them as having inclinations and interests distinct from their ostensible guides. By this means he is able to avoid bringing matters to an extremity, and ingeniously contrives to weaken the state, by holding up the true friends of their country as objects of jealousy to the people, and by representing them as ambitious and interested characters, who, to promote their private views, would embroil them in hostilities with himself."

Z. has presented us with an anecdote respecting Mr. Charles Yorke, as an addendum to the Poetry of Pleading, page 200, vol. V; though not new to us, it will bear repetition. A learned judge noted for using the phrases, I humbly conceive," and "for look d'ye see," was presiding at dinner, where Mr. Yorke was present, and insisted that the latter must have written a book, because he had so many briefs more than a young man of his standing could expect. In vain Mr. Yorke assured him he never had, the judge was not to be convinced. Mr. Yorke then said he had, it was true, attempted to turn Coke upon Littleton into verse, and he would give a specimen from the Treatise on Tenures.

A man who is seised of his land in fce Need neither to quake nor quiver, I humbly conceive-for look d'ye see"Tis his and his heirs for ever! M. B. (a piscatory correspondent beyond all doubt,) has sent us some critical remarks on a paper respecting Isaac Walton and Angling, vol. IV. p. 491. M. B. comes forth as the champion of the old ensnarer of the finny tribe; insists on the innocence of the recreation, in despite of the worm that is to be impaled gently, as though you loved him," only" that he may live the longer;" justifies the cruelty of honest old Isaac by the ferocity fish display towards each other, for which Providence must bear the blame, it being just that the preying trout should be preyed upon. Now, trout is good eating, and will be eaten as long as the world lasts; it is to the mode of capture that the objection lies. This view of the subject M. B. does not seem to take, but goes on yet farther to justify Isaac, be

cause the Rev. Mr. Zouch seems to doubt whether insects have any feeling at all!

VOL. IX. NO. XXV.

25

As to Walton's poetry, which the writer of the article in the New Monthly Magazine says can only be pleasing to those who have not seen it before, M. B., not without reason, enquires how any should have been previously acquainted with it, when the best part of it was old Walton's own. M. B. concludes "We anglers are not of a cruel disposition; yet fiat justitia, are words which become us in defence of our patriarch and our recreation. A just character of our idol from the same page that aspersed him is what we require, &c. We hope the contributor of the article will trust in God's providence! and if he will not go an angling, at all events study to be quiet.” How enthusiastic are these sportsmen !

Let B. O. B. speak for himself. "O! Mr. Editor, what constant occupation has the Essay on Palindromes afforded me, (see vol. II. p. 170,) and what immortal fame shall I acquire! Since you set me upon this study, I have diligently read all my books backwards, in order to discover every Palindrome word, or combination of words, in the language, and, in this respect, I found

Locke on the Human Understanding,' (which I had been often advised to read,) a particularly useful work. My ambition is to write a poem in this style, of at least 456 lines, that I may surpass Ambrosius himself. I have fixed on the subject,'a Satire on War.' The very first line will give you no mean opinion of my versification and energy of expression. Here it is:

Evil is a name of foeman, as I live! Now, Sir, what say you? And what says the writer of the Essay, who talked of a perfect Palindrome line in the English language as an impossibility? Between you and me, Mr. Editor, neither he nor James Harris before him, had a genius capable of the task. It was reserved for me, and lo! I have achieved it. As I must confess I have gained much knowledge from the New Monthly Magazine, by my retrograde mode of reading, and as I hate ingratitude, you shall have one more of my lines. No doubt you recollect the old song beginning with

The busy world we leave 'For Paradise, dear Madam, Where you shall be my Eve, And I will be your Adam.' Well! I have adopted the idea in a Palindrome, as thus:

Madam is an Eve, even as I'm Adam. Surely this ought to satisfy both you and your readers until the publication of my long poem. In the mean while may no one else attempt to make a Palindrome,― it will be so useless!"

E